Why dogs aren't chocoholics

My wife and I had adopted our first puppy and we wanted to make his first birthday special.

She baked him a chocolate cake.

We wound up with one very sick puppy, but he survived and we learned a lesson: Chocolate and dogs don’t mix.

The Pet Poison Helpline is trying to make sure others learn to avoid our mistake. The Minnesota-based group has come out with lists of the top 10 toxins for dogs and cats. The lists are based on help calls the group gets and its own internal databases.

Chocolate tops the list for canines. Chocolate contains large amounts of methylxanthines, which, if ingested in significant amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures, according to the website of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASCPA).

Here’s the rest of the Helpline’s top 10 list for dogs:

2. Insect bait stations

3. Rodenticides (i.e., mouse and rat poison)

4. Fertilizers

5. Xylitol-containing products (i.e., sugar-free gums and candies)

6. Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin® in brand name or generic form

7. Acetaminophen (Tylenol® in brand name or generic form)

8. Silica gel packs

9. Amphetamines, such as ADD/ADHD drugs

10. Household cleaners

The list for cats is topped by lilies (Easter, Asiatic, Day lilies). The flowers are especially toxic to cats, according to the helpline, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.

Both the Pet Poison Helpline and the ASCPA offer 24-hour-a-day support, and both charge fees. Reach the helpline at 1-800-213-6680 and the ASCPA at 1-888 -426-4435.

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October is Adopt-A-Dog Month and the Denver-based American Humane Association is asking everyone to rise to the occasion.

“Millions of dogs in shelters are facing an uncertain fate, and many more are joining them each day due to the effects of the recession on pet owners,” said an AHA spokesman. “But there are simple steps each of us can take to make a difference in these dogs’ lives.”

Number one, adopt a homeless dog from a shelter or breed rescue group. (Over the years, most of the Davidson dogs have been shelter animals that quickly adjusted and took over the house. A fine bunch of mutts.)

Number two, volunteer. Shelters and rescue groups are always looking for dependable people who can help in almost any way.

Number three, offer support: money or in-kind support such as donation of blankets, toys, dog food and volunteer time.

“Right now there is a greater need than ever for people to go to a shelter and find their new best friend,” said Marie Belew Wheatley, American Humane president and CEO. “The nation’s economy is negatively impacting community shelters and rescue organizations, filling them to capacity many times over. ”

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The final tally is in for the recent Furry Friends Food Drive: 70,000-plus pounds of pet food and $15,000-$20,000 cash were raised.

“We will be doing it again next year so stay tuned,” said the first-ever drive’s originator, Felicia Diamond.

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PET CALENDAR

Puttin’ on the Max — The MaxFund Animal Adoption Center will host the 21st Annual Puttin’ on the Max event Oct. 17 at the Brown Palace Hotel. It will be an optional black-tie event with auction and the golden paw award. All proceeds will benefit MaxFund programs to provide medical care for animals with no known owners and help them find permanent homes. Contact: www.Maxfund.org or www.Blacktie-Denver.com

Blessed pets — The Dumb Friends League will host a Blessing of the Animals this Saturday (Oct. 3) at 10:30 a.m. In observance of the traditional feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, a brief ceremony for pets and people will be held in the Sheilagh R. Malo Pet Memorial Garden, east of the shelter. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held inside the shelter, located at 2080 S. Quebec Street. All pets are welcome, but all dogs must be on leash and all cats and other small pets should be kept inside a carrier. Admission is free; However, please R.S.V.P. to Justin Walmsley, (303) 751-5772, Ext. 7243.

Fetch takes a topical look at a variety of issues affecting pets, including the latest research results.. It seeks to provide useful information for Colorado pet owners and to spotlight the work of Colorado animal welfare groups.